Three Leeds businessmen have come up with the solution – OK Karaoke, the first bespoke karaoke bar outside London.

Inspired by venues in Japan, the home of the singalong craze, it will replace the former Firehouse bar on East Parade in the city centre.

It will boast six private booths as well as a main stage, touch-screen technology for backing vocals and sound effects, plus prop boxes stuffed with groovy performer accessories like tambourines, wigs and inflatable guitars.

Banker Chris Silverwood and Garry Wilson, from Endless Investments, Leeds, came up with the concept of bringing karaoke with class to the city and asked Stephen Hawkins to set up the business and run it.

Stephen, of Licensed to Sell, and joint owner of Oracle and Battered at Brewery Wharf, said: "The concept is fresh, interesting and adds a cool new twist on a misunderstood favourite."

Garry said: "We are all beyond going nightclubbing with teenagers but still have plenty of late nights left in us and we wanted a venue where we could go and have a great laugh beyond closing time."

Buzz

He added: "Whether it be sharing a private booth on a girls' night out or singing on the main stage in front of 100 people, customers will leave OK Karaoke with a real buzz, having let their hair down.

"Whether you are a spectator or a singer, I know that the people of Leeds will love this bar and the new dimension it brings to a night out in Leeds."

Hardcore karaoke fans will no doubt be delighted to find their favourite pastime is no longer confined to night-time hours – the venue will be open from noon to around 3am every day.

The bar, which will also serve food, is expected to open in October and the trio hope that OK Karaoke will become a chain of eight over the next four years.

The booths are for between four and 30 people. Performers will be able to operate their own music system, while food and drinks will be delivered by waitresses at the touch of a button.